Special Permission

If you aren’t planning to apply to a health professions school or if you’re a currently enrolled medical student (other than a MBBS degree program), you must obtain "special permission" to register for the MCAT exam.

To request special permission, please send an email to mcat@aamc.org, stating the reason(s) you wish to take the exam. The MCAT exam office will attempt to review and respond to your request within five business days, although during certain times we may be delayed in our ability to reply within this time frame. We therefore ask that you be mindful of registration deadlines, because staff cannot extend closing dates for any reason.

Special Permission

If you aren’t planning to apply to a health professions school or if you’re a currently enrolled medical student (other than a MBBS degree program), you must obtain "special permission" to register for the MCAT exam.

To request special permission, please send an email to mcat@aamc.org, stating the reason(s) you wish to take the exam. The MCAT exam office will attempt to review and respond to your request within five business days, although during certain times we may be delayed in our ability to reply within this time frame. We therefore ask that you be mindful of registration deadlines, because staff cannot extend closing dates for any reason.

When should I take the MCAT exam?

The best time to take the MCAT exam is when you feel most prepared and ready. There isn’t a “one size fits all” solution that will work for everyone. But when making this decision, there are three questions you can ask yourself:

1. When do I want to attend medical school?
Often, students will choose to take their MCAT exam in the same year they are applying to medical school. For example, if you are thinking about attending medical school in fall 2019, you might consider taking your exam during 2018.

2. Is there a potential I will need to test more than once?
Many examinees test more than once. If you think you may re-take the exam, and you want to leave yourself that option, you may think about taking the exam earlier in a testing year. This will give you the opportunity to receive your scores, make a decision about whether to re-test or not, and find another seat on a preferred date and location later in the year.

3. Have I mastered the content tested on the exam?
The MCAT exam tests content found in introductory-level courses at most undergraduate institutions, including biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics, as well as first-semester biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. While there aren’t specific courses you have to take to be able to register and take the exam, it’s important to feel comfortable with the content and skills tested. If you feel that additional coursework or studying is needed to help you prepare, think about testing at a later point in the year to have additional time. Consult your pre-health advisor or a faculty member to assist with course selection, as courses vary by institution.

Also keep in mind, medical schools will be able to see all of your scores and there are now limits on the number of times you can take the exam. See the MCAT Essentials for more information about releasing scores and lifetime limits.

If you need help deciding when to take the exam, check in with your pre-health advisor. Most importantly, take the exam when you’re ready, not when you think you should be.

When should I take the MCAT exam?

The best time to take the MCAT exam is when you feel most prepared and ready. There isn’t a “one size fits all” solution that will work for everyone. But when making this decision, there are three questions you can ask yourself:

1. When do I want to attend medical school?
Often, students will choose to take their MCAT exam in the same year they are applying to medical school. For example, if you are thinking about attending medical school in fall 2019, you might consider taking your exam during 2018.

2. Is there a potential I will need to test more than once?
Many examinees test more than once. If you think you may re-take the exam, and you want to leave yourself that option, you may think about taking the exam earlier in a testing year. This will give you the opportunity to receive your scores, make a decision about whether to re-test or not, and find another seat on a preferred date and location later in the year.

3. Have I mastered the content tested on the exam?
The MCAT exam tests content found in introductory-level courses at most undergraduate institutions, including biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics, as well as first-semester biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. While there aren’t specific courses you have to take to be able to register and take the exam, it’s important to feel comfortable with the content and skills tested. If you feel that additional coursework or studying is needed to help you prepare, think about testing at a later point in the year to have additional time. Consult your pre-health advisor or a faculty member to assist with course selection, as courses vary by institution.

Also keep in mind, medical schools will be able to see all of your scores and there are now limits on the number of times you can take the exam. See the MCAT Essentials for more information about releasing scores and lifetime limits.

If you need help deciding when to take the exam, check in with your pre-health advisor. Most importantly, take the exam when you’re ready, not when you think you should be.

Are there required courses or pre-requisites I need to take before taking the MCAT exam?

All of the content on the MCAT is covered in introductory courses at most colleges and universities, including introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry. Research methods and statistics concepts on the exam are used in introductory science labs as well as introductory psychology and sociology courses. You are encouraged to reach out to the pre-health advisor at your institution who can help you determine the specific coursework you will need to meet your educational goals.

Are there required courses or pre-requisites I need to take before taking the MCAT exam?

All of the content on the MCAT is covered in introductory courses at most colleges and universities, including introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry. Research methods and statistics concepts on the exam are used in introductory science labs as well as introductory psychology and sociology courses. You are encouraged to reach out to the pre-health advisor at your institution who can help you determine the specific coursework you will need to meet your educational goals.

How often can I take the MCAT Exam?

In 2015, the AAMC implemented testing limits on how many times you can take the MCAT exam. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time.

Single testing year:

The MCAT exam can be taken up to three times.

Two consecutive-year period:

The MCAT exam can be taken up to four times.

Lifetime:

How often can I take the MCAT Exam?

In 2015, the AAMC implemented testing limits on how many times you can take the MCAT exam. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time.

MCAT Registration FAQs

Can I see what seats are available without losing my current seat reservation?

Yes, you can!

Simply go back into the MCAT Registration System to view current seat availability. You won't lose your current seat until you submit payment for a new seat. Please keep in mind that additional fees will apply no matter when you choose to reschedule.

For more information about changing your exam test center or exam date, please see the MCAT Essentials.

Can I see what seats are available without losing my current seat reservation?

Yes, you can!

Simply go back into the MCAT Registration System to view current seat availability. You won't lose your current seat until you submit payment for a new seat. Please keep in mind that additional fees will apply no matter when you choose to reschedule.

For more information about changing your exam test center or exam date, please see the MCAT Essentials.

When is the last day that I can reschedule or cancel my MCAT exam date?

There are three scheduling zones for each exam date: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. For each exam date, Gold Zone scheduling fees are lower and flexibility is higher. Conversely, fees are higher and flexibility is limited in the Bronze Zone.

All deadlines for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Zones occur a set number of days prior to the exam. All deadlines take effect at 7:59 am local, test center time. For example, if your MCAT exam is scheduled for August 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California, your Bronze Zone Scheduling deadline is 7:59 AM PT on August 1, 2018. MCAT Scheduling Fees show all fees and restrictions applicable to registering for this year’s MCAT exam.

When is the last day that I can reschedule or cancel my MCAT exam date?

There are three scheduling zones for each exam date: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. For each exam date, Gold Zone scheduling fees are lower and flexibility is higher. Conversely, fees are higher and flexibility is limited in the Bronze Zone.

All deadlines for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Zones occur a set number of days prior to the exam. All deadlines take effect at 7:59 am local, test center time. For example, if your MCAT exam is scheduled for August 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California, your Bronze Zone Scheduling deadline is 7:59 AM PT on August 1, 2018. MCAT Scheduling Fees show all fees and restrictions applicable to registering for this year’s MCAT exam.

Is there a way to be notified if a test day and location becomes available?

Yes! If your preferred MCAT test date or location is listed as "Not Available" in the MCAT Registration System you can sign up to be notified by email should that test date and location become available at a later date. Learn more about the MCAT Available Notification Request tool.

Is there a way to be notified if a test day and location becomes available?

Yes! If your preferred MCAT test date or location is listed as "Not Available" in the MCAT Registration System you can sign up to be notified by email should that test date and location become available at a later date. Learn more about the MCAT Available Notification Request tool.

How long will I have to wait until I can retake the MCAT exam?

There is no defined waiting period between tests. However, you may only register for one MCAT testing session at a time, and you must wait 48 hours following your exam day to be able to register for a new seat.

How long will I have to wait until I can retake the MCAT exam?

There is no defined waiting period between tests. However, you may only register for one MCAT testing session at a time, and you must wait 48 hours following your exam day to be able to register for a new seat.

How can I access my AAMC MCAT Official Prep Products?

How can I prepare for the MCAT exam?

Whether you plan on going to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree, are taking a gap year, or are a nontraditional student, developing a plan for how you will prepare for the MCAT exam is important. Your preparation should not only be tailored to your strengths and weaknesses but also include a plan for managing your time. Carefully thinking about the hours you have to dedicate to getting ready and staying on track is important to balancing all of your obligations. To help you prepare, the AAMC has developed the guide to “How to Create a Study Plan for the MCAT Exam,” which offers tips, worksheets, and strategies for organizing your preparation from start to finish. The guide also offers suggestion for how to use AAMC free and low-cost resources at each step.

Be sure to also visit the AAMC website for brief articles on how students of varied backgrounds prepared for the exam, resources they used, and how they scored.

Finally, consult with your pre-health advisor about preparing and applying to medical school. If you do not have a pre-health advisor, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) has volunteer members who can help answer your questions. Go to www.naahp.org and under Student Resources, you will find more information about their “Find an Advisor” service.

How can I prepare for the MCAT exam?

Whether you plan on going to medical school directly after completing your undergraduate degree, are taking a gap year, or are a nontraditional student, developing a plan for how you will prepare for the MCAT exam is important. Your preparation should not only be tailored to your strengths and weaknesses but also include a plan for managing your time. Carefully thinking about the hours you have to dedicate to getting ready and staying on track is important to balancing all of your obligations. To help you prepare, the AAMC has developed the guide to “How to Create a Study Plan for the MCAT Exam,” which offers tips, worksheets, and strategies for organizing your preparation from start to finish. The guide also offers suggestion for how to use AAMC free and low-cost resources at each step.

Be sure to also visit the AAMC website for brief articles on how students of varied backgrounds prepared for the exam, resources they used, and how they scored.

Finally, consult with your pre-health advisor about preparing and applying to medical school. If you do not have a pre-health advisor, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) has volunteer members who can help answer your questions. Go to www.naahp.org and under Student Resources, you will find more information about their “Find an Advisor” service.

Where can I find out what content is tested on the exam?

What’s on the MCAT Exam?provides an overview of concepts and skills tested on each of the four sections of the MCAT exam. You can view videos describing the ten foundational concepts and skills tested and sample questions with explanations of the correct answers. You can view online or download and print.

Where can I find out what content is tested on the exam?

What’s on the MCAT Exam?provides an overview of concepts and skills tested on each of the four sections of the MCAT exam. You can view videos describing the ten foundational concepts and skills tested and sample questions with explanations of the correct answers. You can view online or download and print.

What resources do you have to prepare for the MCAT exam?

The AAMC offers a number of low-cost and free resources, including a guide to developing a study plan. Planning how you will prepare and manage your time is important to staying on track to being ready to take the exam. The guide to “How to Create a Study Plan for the MCAT Exam” includes suggestions for how to use all of the Official AAMC MCAT resources.

These resources include products to help you study and practice. The AAMC offers MCAT practice exams and questions, flashcards, and The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam. We also developed a variety of free, high-quality resources to support your preparation. These resources have been designed to help you understand what content is tested on the exam, review and study the content tested across all four sections, and prepare for the test day.

Visit the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub to access both the low-cost products and free resources. To access the Hub, visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep. Then follow the steps below.

Click on the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub button.

Go to the “Free Resources” section to select Practice with Exam features tool.

What resources do you have to prepare for the MCAT exam?

The AAMC offers a number of low-cost and free resources, including a guide to developing a study plan. Planning how you will prepare and manage your time is important to staying on track to being ready to take the exam. The guide to “How to Create a Study Plan for the MCAT Exam” includes suggestions for how to use all of the Official AAMC MCAT resources.

These resources include products to help you study and practice. The AAMC offers MCAT practice exams and questions, flashcards, and The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam. We also developed a variety of free, high-quality resources to support your preparation. These resources have been designed to help you understand what content is tested on the exam, review and study the content tested across all four sections, and prepare for the test day.

Visit the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub to access both the low-cost products and free resources. To access the Hub, visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep. Then follow the steps below.

Click on the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub button.

Go to the “Free Resources” section to select Practice with Exam features tool.

Do I need to take a MCAT prep course?

There is no right or wrong way to prepare for the MCAT exam. Approximately half of examinees report that they prepared for the exam through self-study and did not enroll in a test prep course. Some students may prefer to study in a more organized setting and enroll in MCAT prep courses while others may choose to prepare via a course offered at their academic institution. Regardless of the study path you choose, the AAMC provides free and low-cost MCAT preparation materials to help you prepare.

Do I need to take a MCAT prep course?

There is no right or wrong way to prepare for the MCAT exam. Approximately half of examinees report that they prepared for the exam through self-study and did not enroll in a test prep course. Some students may prefer to study in a more organized setting and enroll in MCAT prep courses while others may choose to prepare via a course offered at their academic institution. Regardless of the study path you choose, the AAMC provides free and low-cost MCAT preparation materials to help you prepare.

How can I practice using the actual MCAT exam functionality and features?

All full-length products (Practice Exams 1-3 and the Sample Exam) have the same look and functionality of the real MCAT exam.

The AAMC also offers a “Practice with Exam Features” tutorial that allows you to simulate the functions and features of the actual MCAT exam. You can find this tool in the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub. To access the Hub, visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep. Then follow the steps below.

Click on the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub button.

Go to the “Free Resources” section to select Practice with Exam features tool.

How can I practice using the actual MCAT exam functionality and features?

All full-length products (Practice Exams 1-3 and the Sample Exam) have the same look and functionality of the real MCAT exam.

The AAMC also offers a “Practice with Exam Features” tutorial that allows you to simulate the functions and features of the actual MCAT exam. You can find this tool in the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub. To access the Hub, visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep. Then follow the steps below.

Click on the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Hub button.

Go to the “Free Resources” section to select Practice with Exam features tool.

MCAT Scores FAQs

How is the MCAT exam scored?

The MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test.

The AAMC does multiple things when we score your exam.

First, we count the number of questions answered correctly. The scores that you achieve on the four scored multiple-choice sections are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. Wrong answers are scored exactly the same way as an unanswered question and there isn’t an additional penalty for wrong answers.

Second, we take the number of correct answers and convert them to an MCAT scale score. Scores from each of these four sections are converted to a scaled score ranging from 118 (lowest) to 132 (highest). For example, if your number correct on one of the sections is between 35 and 37, your converted score might be 123. Number correct ranging from 46 to 48 might have a converted score of 128, and so forth.

So why don’t we give you your raw score on test day or on your score report, and instead convert to scaled scores? In a given testing year, there are many different test forms administered, any one of which you could see on your exam day. The different forms of the exam are designed to measure the same basic concepts and skills, but each form contains different sets of questions. While care is taken to make sure that each form is about equivalent in difficulty, one form may be slightly more or less difficult than another. The conversion of number correct scores to scaled scores, through a process called equating, compensates for small variations in difficulty between sets of questions. The exact conversion of number correct to scaled scores is not constant because each conversion is tailored to the specific set of questions included on a test form.

The scaled score, reported on a 15-point scale, tends to provide a more stable and accurate assessment of a student’s performance than the number correct score. Two students with equal preparation who answered different sets of questions would be expected to get the same scaled score, even though there might be a slight difference between the number correct scores each student obtained on their test form. This is also done to ensure that scores have the same meaning across test administrations and testing years.

How is the MCAT exam scored?

The MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test.

The AAMC does multiple things when we score your exam.

First, we count the number of questions answered correctly. The scores that you achieve on the four scored multiple-choice sections are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. Wrong answers are scored exactly the same way as an unanswered question and there isn’t an additional penalty for wrong answers.

Second, we take the number of correct answers and convert them to an MCAT scale score. Scores from each of these four sections are converted to a scaled score ranging from 118 (lowest) to 132 (highest). For example, if your number correct on one of the sections is between 35 and 37, your converted score might be 123. Number correct ranging from 46 to 48 might have a converted score of 128, and so forth.

So why don’t we give you your raw score on test day or on your score report, and instead convert to scaled scores? In a given testing year, there are many different test forms administered, any one of which you could see on your exam day. The different forms of the exam are designed to measure the same basic concepts and skills, but each form contains different sets of questions. While care is taken to make sure that each form is about equivalent in difficulty, one form may be slightly more or less difficult than another. The conversion of number correct scores to scaled scores, through a process called equating, compensates for small variations in difficulty between sets of questions. The exact conversion of number correct to scaled scores is not constant because each conversion is tailored to the specific set of questions included on a test form.

The scaled score, reported on a 15-point scale, tends to provide a more stable and accurate assessment of a student’s performance than the number correct score. Two students with equal preparation who answered different sets of questions would be expected to get the same scaled score, even though there might be a slight difference between the number correct scores each student obtained on their test form. This is also done to ensure that scores have the same meaning across test administrations and testing years.

Is the MCAT exam graded on a curve?

Test takers often ask if obtaining a high score is easier or harder at different times of the testing year, or, in other words, if the exam is scored on a curve. For exams graded on a curve, a final score depends on how an individual performs in comparison to other test takers from the same test day or same time of year.

The MCAT exam is not graded on a curve. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test or who tests at the same time you did.

Although there may be small differences in the form of the MCAT exam you took compared to another examinee (because you answered different sets of questions), the scoring process accounts for these differences. For example, a 124 earned on, the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section of one test form means the same thing as a 124 earned on that section on any other form. How you score on the MCAT exam is not reflective of the particular form you took or the group of examinees you tested with—the test date or the time of year—since any difference in difficulty level is accounted for when calculating your scaled scores (see above for information about scaling).

Is the MCAT exam graded on a curve?

Test takers often ask if obtaining a high score is easier or harder at different times of the testing year, or, in other words, if the exam is scored on a curve. For exams graded on a curve, a final score depends on how an individual performs in comparison to other test takers from the same test day or same time of year.

The MCAT exam is not graded on a curve. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test or who tests at the same time you did.

Although there may be small differences in the form of the MCAT exam you took compared to another examinee (because you answered different sets of questions), the scoring process accounts for these differences. For example, a 124 earned on, the Critical Analysis and Reasoning section of one test form means the same thing as a 124 earned on that section on any other form. How you score on the MCAT exam is not reflective of the particular form you took or the group of examinees you tested with—the test date or the time of year—since any difference in difficulty level is accounted for when calculating your scaled scores (see above for information about scaling).

AAMC scales and equates each exam after each test day. This takes 30 to 35 days. The scaling and equating process is done to account for small differences in the difficulty of test questions when we convert the number of questions you answer correctly to the MCAT score scale. This time also allows students to submit any concerns they have about exam questions or testing conditions. The AAMC then reviews and investigates each concern. So, due to this careful analysis and review of feedback from each exam date, we aren’t able to provide a score immediately after you complete your exam.

For more information about how the MCAT exam is scored, please click here.

AAMC scales and equates each exam after each test day. This takes 30 to 35 days. The scaling and equating process is done to account for small differences in the difficulty of test questions when we convert the number of questions you answer correctly to the MCAT score scale. This time also allows students to submit any concerns they have about exam questions or testing conditions. The AAMC then reviews and investigates each concern. So, due to this careful analysis and review of feedback from each exam date, we aren’t able to provide a score immediately after you complete your exam.

For more information about how the MCAT exam is scored, please click here.

How do I understand my percentile ranks?

The percentile ranks provided on your score report show the percentages of test takers who received the same scores or lower scores on the exam than you did. They show how your scores compare to the scores of other examinees.

Every year on May 1, the percentile ranks are updated using data from one or more testing years. These annual updates will ensure that the percentile ranks reflect current and stable information about your scores. This means that changes in percentile ranks from one year to another reflect meaningful changes in the scores of examinees, rather than year-to-year fluctuations. Updating percentile ranks is consistent with industry practice. You can view the percentile ranks here.

The update schedule will be as follows:

On May 1 2017, the percentile ranks will be updated to include all exam results from the prior two years.

On May 1, 2018, the percentile ranks will be updated to include all exam results from the prior three years.

After 2018 percentile ranks will include all exam results from the then three most recent years.

If you look at your scores in the Score Reporting System after May 1, 2018, you will see these percentile ranks. Please note that the updated percentile ranks are very similar to the percentile ranks in use from May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018.

How do I understand my percentile ranks?

The percentile ranks provided on your score report show the percentages of test takers who received the same scores or lower scores on the exam than you did. They show how your scores compare to the scores of other examinees.

Every year on May 1, the percentile ranks are updated using data from one or more testing years. These annual updates will ensure that the percentile ranks reflect current and stable information about your scores. This means that changes in percentile ranks from one year to another reflect meaningful changes in the scores of examinees, rather than year-to-year fluctuations. Updating percentile ranks is consistent with industry practice. You can view the percentile ranks here.

The update schedule will be as follows:

On May 1 2017, the percentile ranks will be updated to include all exam results from the prior two years.

On May 1, 2018, the percentile ranks will be updated to include all exam results from the prior three years.

After 2018 percentile ranks will include all exam results from the then three most recent years.

If you look at your scores in the Score Reporting System after May 1, 2018, you will see these percentile ranks. Please note that the updated percentile ranks are very similar to the percentile ranks in use from May 1, 2017 through April 30, 2018.

Will medical schools know if I void my exam?

Medical schools do not have any record of exams which you chose to void or no-show, nor do they have the ability to access a system that shows them whether you voided or no-showed. Only you will have a record of these exams through the MCAT Score Reporting System. Medical schools only have access to the exams you chose to score. Remember, voids and no-shows count as an attempt toward your testing limits.

Will medical schools know if I void my exam?

Medical schools do not have any record of exams which you chose to void or no-show, nor do they have the ability to access a system that shows them whether you voided or no-showed. Only you will have a record of these exams through the MCAT Score Reporting System. Medical schools only have access to the exams you chose to score. Remember, voids and no-shows count as an attempt toward your testing limits.

Can I rescore my MCAT exam?

If you think that a scoring error has occurred, then you may request that your MCAT exam be rescored by hand.

You will receive the results of this rescoring in writing. The response letter will either confirm that your original scores were correct as reported, or inform you of the corrected scaled scores for each test section. Raw scores will not be disclosed.

For privacy and security reasons, the MCAT program and its independent reviewers do not disclose any information on score changes. However, scores may go up, down, or remain the same.

Can I rescore my MCAT exam?

If you think that a scoring error has occurred, then you may request that your MCAT exam be rescored by hand.

You will receive the results of this rescoring in writing. The response letter will either confirm that your original scores were correct as reported, or inform you of the corrected scaled scores for each test section. Raw scores will not be disclosed.

For privacy and security reasons, the MCAT program and its independent reviewers do not disclose any information on score changes. However, scores may go up, down, or remain the same.

If I took the MCAT exam prior to April 2015, how long can I submit my scores?

The AAMC will continue to report MCAT test scores from the 1991 version through the 2019 AMCAS application cycle. However, whether medical schools will continue to accept these scores through the 2019 AMCAS application cycle will depend on the individual medical school.

The AAMC conducted a survey about medical schools' policies for accepting scores from the prior version of the MCAT exam (administered from 1991 through January 2015). See the survey results:

If I took the MCAT exam prior to April 2015, how long can I submit my scores?

The AAMC will continue to report MCAT test scores from the 1991 version through the 2019 AMCAS application cycle. However, whether medical schools will continue to accept these scores through the 2019 AMCAS application cycle will depend on the individual medical school.

The AAMC conducted a survey about medical schools' policies for accepting scores from the prior version of the MCAT exam (administered from 1991 through January 2015). See the survey results:

Training in a Residency or Fellowship

The Association of American Medical Colleges is a not-for-profit association dedicated to transforming health care through innovative medical education, cutting-edge patient care, and groundbreaking medical research. Its members are all 152 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 51 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and more than 80 academic societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC serves the leaders of America’s medical schools and teaching hospitals and their more than 173,000 full-time faculty members, 89,000 medical students, 129,000 resident physicians, and more than 60,000 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the biomedical sciences.